22 Sep 2018

'A devastating loss to our nation' - tributes pour in for Edna Molewa

Riaan Grobler

Tributes poured in on social media following the death of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa on Saturday.

Molewa died in a Pretoria hospital "after a period of illness". She was 61 years old.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said: "This is a devastating loss to our nation and to the global community who owe a great debt of gratitude to the late Minister Molewa for her championship nationally and globally for the environmental integrity of a sustainable planet Earth that can be shared and enjoyed by all nations and all people, rich and poor."

Tributes from disparate corners poured in for Molewa on social media on Saturday.

Marcus Cornaro, European Union ambassador to South Africa, tweeted: "Shocked by passing away of #EdnaMolewa - a force for progress in SA, and strong partner of EU on global issues like CITES and Climate Change. Picture shows us 3 weeks ago on climate outreach. Great loss for SA + world."

Public Service and Administration Minister Ayanda Dlodlo tweeted: "It is with great sadness that we learn of the passing of Minister Edna Molewa. A tireless political activist and servant of the people. Robala ka Kgotso Mme."

Here are some of the tributes posted for Molewa.

The news of the sudden passing of Minister Edna Molewa have hit many of us with shock and deep sadness. Her contribution to environmental awareness and action will be remembered nationally and globally. Heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues #RIPEdnaMolewa pic.twitter.com/9363wFhUtr
— Prof Thuli Madonsela (@ThuliMadonsela3) September 22, 2018

HAMBA KAHLE DEAREST COMRADE AND FRIEND #EdnaMolewa pic.twitter.com/xoYObwuwbw
— Carl Niehaus (@niehaus_carl) September 22, 2018

Let me join South Africans in expressing our deep sense of sadness over the loss of Cde Edna Molewa, more sad is that all this comes so sudden and shocks us. She was devoted to her work, dedicated to the plight of ordinary South Africans. Comrade Edna leaves us poorer.
— Fikile (Mr Fearfokkol) (@MbalulaFikile) September 22, 2018

So sorry to hear of the passing of Minister Edna Molewa. News of her death has come as a shock. I have lost a good friend. Condolences to the family. #RIPEdnaMolewa @GovernmentZA @environmentza pic.twitter.com/4sFpoCsB2K
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 22, 2018

Rest in Peace @environmentza Minister Dr Edna Molewa #RIPMinisterMolewa

This is indeed sad news ?? thank you for all that you have done for our country and your love for the many firefighters of the @wo_fire programme.

Rest in Peace pic.twitter.com/w2qs8rooId
— Lauren Lo Howard (@LaLolly) September 22, 2018

We offer our deepest and most sincere condolences to the Molewa family on the sudden passing of Minister #EdnaMolewa. Her untimely passing is extremely devastating and indeed sad. We join the rest of the Nation in Mourning. #RIPEdnaMolewa pic.twitter.com/8GcMpDTz41
— Dr Chana Pilane-Majake (@DrPilane_Majake) September 22, 2018

The death of Minister Edna Molewa is truly a great loss to the nation and the African National Congress. She was one of the most humble and hard working Ministers and a true champion of our democracy! I am totally shattered and mortified ?????? #RipEdnaMolewa pic.twitter.com/LrACBP9ocp
— Zama Mvulane ®? (@zmvulane) September 22, 2018

Shocked by passing away of #EdnaMolewa - a force for progress in SA, and strong partner of EU on global issues like CITES and Climate Change. Picture shows us 3 weeks ago on climate outreach. Great loss for SA + world. @EUClimateAction pic.twitter.com/k2qDK9MYCW
— Marcus Cornaro (@MarcusCornaro) September 22, 2018

RIP Minister Edna Molewa. I am devasted really. Saw you just the other day. I am so shocked. Love you my friend. Thoughts with your family ?? pic.twitter.com/DuQ9LOJdSk
— Real Steven Taylor (@StevenTaylorSA) September 22, 2018

#EdnaMolewa. My mum is broken on hearing the news of her true friend being no more. Ma'am, you were a champion for change. #RIP
— All Lives Matter ?? (@X_review) September 22, 2018

https://t.co/K6ZSA9lOnO
WILDLANDS extends it's deepest condolences to Minister Edna Molewa and colleagues pic.twitter.com/0i9dU6NhG5
— Wildlands (@WildlandsSA) September 22, 2018

On my way home from national duties- greeted by sad news that My Minister, Dr. Edna Molewa @environmentza has passed away. One of the key pillars in the formulation of the WIM for @LossDamage. Rest in peace MaMolewa, Fare Thee Well. @UNFCCC @choumde https://t.co/1X5TfknIol
— Vhalinavho Khavhagali (@vhali) September 22, 2018

Let me join masses of our people in sending our deepest sincere condolences to the family of Mme Edna Molewa. Her passing came as a shock to us. She was the first woman to be premier in North West and she was the most humble minister. May her soul rest in power.
— Buti_Amla (@Mo_Amla) September 22, 2018

Sad to hear of the passing of Environment Affairs Minister Mme Edna Molewa. Heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and members of the ANC. Our nation has lost a great leader. May her soul Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/ypmpxwvXMK
— Tshepo Thlaku (@Thlaku) September 22, 2018

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